Daily Bible Reading, November 2022: “God’s Renewing Word of Thankfulness and Praise.”Sample

November 6

Introduction

In today’s reading, the story has now jumped from the completion of the Temple toward the end of the sixth century (516 B.C.) to the middle of the fifth century (458 B.C.), and we are introduced to Ezra, a priest and an expert in the Law. He was also in a position of high favor in the court of the Persian emperor, Artaxerxes, during the time following the Babylonian captivity when Jerusalem was rebuilt. Artaxerxes gives Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem along with many Jewish leaders and their families.

Scripture Reading

Ezra 7:1-10

Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 7:10

Ezra had devoted his life to studying the Law of the LORD, to practicing it, and to teaching all its laws and regulations to the people of Israel.

Reflect

How is Ezra described? Who was his earliest ancestor? Why was it important for Ezra to teach the laws and regulations to the people of Israel? Are laws and regulations important for communities of faith today? If so, why?

Pray

Holy God, bless all communities of faith as they seek to nurture their members in faith. Guide me in the way of your truth and help me to grow in the knowledge of your teachings. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Ezra 7:11-28: Ezra receives a document from Emperor Artaxerxes.